New parish administrator approved

Published: Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 9:26 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 9:26 p.m.

Lafourche Parish has a new administrator two months after ousting its previous administrator.

The Parish Council approved President Charlotte Randolph’s appointment of Archie Chaisson III at its first meeting of the year Tuesday.

The position is the parish’s top executive under Randolph. The administrator oversees grants, contracts, personnel and paying for projects.

Chaisson has worked as the parish’s coastal zone manager since 2011. He was previously employed as a project manager and grants coordinator at Picciola and Associates, a Cut Off engineering firm.

Chaisson was approved with one dissenting vote from Councilman Joe Fertitta, who expressed concern about Chaisson staying in the job for the next few years after his wife gives birth to a baby that’s on the way.

Councilman Daniel Lorraine was hesitant to vote for Chaisson, saying Chaisson had not provided him with a public record he requested.

“I wasn’t going to vote for him because of this, but I am going to compromise,” Lorraine said. “It is very rare you hear that from me.”

Councilman Jerry Lafont initially asked for the matter to be delayed two weeks while he researched Chaisson’s previous job performance. He ultimately relented and accepted Chaisson’s nomination.

“I appreciate you guys and the confidence of the vote,” Chaisson said. “I will wake up every morning and do whatever I can to help you guys and constituents and all the employees across the parish.”

Randolph said Chaisson will balance some of his coastal zone manager duties with the new position. She called him an “incredible young man” and said his experience with coastal issues played a part in him being nominated. The parish is working on coastal restoration and pending litigation related to the 2010 BP oil spill, among other things.

“We are doing some fundamental stuff this year,” Randolph said. “I anticipate going forward. Coastal issues will be a major part of our future.”

Crystal Chiasson, the previous administrator, was ousted in November when voters approved a new law requiring that the administrator live in Lafourche. She is an Assumption Parish resident. The issue has been the subject of a months-long dispute between Randolph and some council members.

With one position filled, Tuesday also necessitated the search for another top position.

<p>Lafourche Parish has a new administrator two months after ousting its previous administrator.</p><p>The Parish Council approved President Charlotte Randolph's appointment of Archie Chaisson III at its first meeting of the year Tuesday.</p><p>The position is the parish's top executive under Randolph. The administrator oversees grants, contracts, personnel and paying for projects.</p><p>Chaisson has worked as the parish's coastal zone manager since 2011. He was previously employed as a project manager and grants coordinator at Picciola and Associates, a Cut Off engineering firm. </p><p>Chaisson was approved with one dissenting vote from Councilman Joe Fertitta, who expressed concern about Chaisson staying in the job for the next few years after his wife gives birth to a baby that's on the way. </p><p>Councilman Daniel Lorraine was hesitant to vote for Chaisson, saying Chaisson had not provided him with a public record he requested. </p><p>“I wasn't going to vote for him because of this, but I am going to compromise,” Lorraine said. “It is very rare you hear that from me.”</p><p>Councilman Jerry Lafont initially asked for the matter to be delayed two weeks while he researched Chaisson's previous job performance. He ultimately relented and accepted Chaisson's nomination.</p><p>“I appreciate you guys and the confidence of the vote,” Chaisson said. “I will wake up every morning and do whatever I can to help you guys and constituents and all the employees across the parish.”</p><p>Randolph said Chaisson will balance some of his coastal zone manager duties with the new position. She called him an “incredible young man” and said his experience with coastal issues played a part in him being nominated. The parish is working on coastal restoration and pending litigation related to the 2010 BP oil spill, among other things.</p><p>“We are doing some fundamental stuff this year,” Randolph said. “I anticipate going forward. Coastal issues will be a major part of our future.”</p><p>Crystal Chiasson, the previous administrator, was ousted in November when voters approved a new law requiring that the administrator live in Lafourche. She is an Assumption Parish resident. The issue has been the subject of a months-long dispute between Randolph and some council members.</p><p>With one position filled, Tuesday also necessitated the search for another top position. </p><p>Randolph said Parish Finance Director Ryan Friedlander is no longer an active parish employee.</p><p>Randolph refused to specify the circumstances surrounding Friedlander's departure. Friedlander also declined to provide specifics. </p><p>The opening is being advertised.</p>